Words from October 20
/October 20 is a big day
for me; it is Christmas, in a way.
Each year I read through
"The Daily Bible in Chronological Order," one day at a time. Since
it’s arranged chronological order, it reads more like a grand story, from
beginning to end. The big story of God and mankind. The psalms and prophets are mingled in place
with the historical accounts; Paul’s letters are placed where they belong among
the record in Acts, and like that.
On October 20, after
almost ten full months of daily readings, the story changes in a big way. Jesus
Christ is born. So every year I can celebrate Christmas in October.
Last year I sent out a
whole slew of text messages announcing Merry Christmas. As it turns out I
confused a lot of people who received the message but didn't know who it came
from. I got quite a few replies asking, "Who is this?" So this year I
posted my Merry Christmas on Facebook and email. I don't have much of a
presence on Twitter, yet, but I gave that a try as well.
Unfortunately the
Christmas story is so familiar and I have read it so many times it is hard to
read it again. My mind jumps ahead and forms the words before my eyes get to
them. That’s one good reason to read the story in October instead of December;
it sort of catches me by surprise.
I thought about
Zechariah, the husband of
And then the story
shifts to Mary, mother of Jesus, who was confronted by an angel who said,
"Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." It
says Mary was greatly troubled at his words. I wrote in the margin: "I can
see why the presence of an angel might scare her, but his words should be
affirming not troubling." Why was Mary so afraid?
I don't know why
Zechariah got into trouble or why Mary was afraid; it was only words. But I
know my words to God matter, as do his words to me. Sometime I get so
comfortable praying I forget how important it is, what a privilege it is, how
eternal it is. I forget the power of words.
I don't know why
Zachariah got into so much trouble after asking only one question. We know from
other stories in the Bible that God usually allowed a lot of questions. There
must be more to this story than we’re told. Something must have been going on
between Zachariah and God that we aren't privy to, but it must have been clear
to Zachariah since he didn't fight back and doesn't appear to have resented
what happened to him. in fact, once his son was born, and once Zachariah’s
voice was restored, the first thing he did was praise God. He didn’t complain
and didn’t ask why.
I think Zachariah got
into trouble because of the condition of his heart rather than his words. I
take from this story that my words are important to God, but not as important
as my heart. I don't have to live in fear that I might pray the wrong thing or
ask the wrong question. What I need to be concerned about is the condition of
my heart and the status of my relationship with God.
What about Mary? Why was
she so troubled by the angel's words? Maybe in the same way that I get nervous
and start moving backwards when someone says, “You'd be really great at
this.." I try to avoid being recruited for something new.
Mary didn't stay troubled. As the angel laid out the plan,
Mary began to praise God; her words - the Song of Mary, the Magnificat – are
some of the best in the entire Bible.
We don't have to be afraid of the words from God. Even if
what he is asking us to do is troubling at first, We just have to relax and
listen and let him speak to us. We can trust God when he speaks.
October 20 was a strong day for me. Let me be one of the
first to say to you, Merry Christmas.
“I run in the path of Your
commands, for You have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32
